Sacred Space

The mounds preserved here are considered ceremonial and sacred sites by many Americans, especially the Monument's 12 affiliated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds, the peoples who built them and the relationships to their modern descendants. The 2,526 acre Monument includes more than 200 American Indian mounds situated in a natural setting, and located within the one of the most picturesque sections within Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area and along the "Great River Road" of the Mississippi River - a National Scenic Byway.

School Field Trip Visits

Thousands of school students visit the Monument annually to participate in our educational programs - either curriculum based, or simply to have a stimulating out of the classroom experience. Subject to staffing availability, we accommodate program requests on a reservation basis or by offering resources that facilitate teacher-led self guided class visits. To learn more about these opportunities, visit our “For Teachers” section. 

Special Public Events and Programs

Join us throughout the year during our large scale public educational events or special topic ranger-led programs. Bird walks, living history "Moonlight Hikes", American Indian cultural and archeology demonstrations are presented annually along with our largest attended event - HawkWatch Weekend.


> 2012 Calendar of Events
> Annual HawkWatch Weekend Page
> For Kids!

Exploring the Monument

Visitor Center:

Open all year except - Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1 and extreme weather emergencies

Hours: 

June to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Winter hours, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily.  

 
Park Grounds: 

Open daily, 362 days per year, sunrise to sunset (weather permitting). Access is offered (only) via 14 miles of hiking trails.

There are numerous opportunities for you to enjoy a self-guided tour or join a ranger for a hike, walk, talk or historic demonstration. Daily ranger-led hikes to Fire Fire Point and beyond are offered during the summer. Please check the "Plan Your Visit" link for specific dates and times.
Most trails are moderately strenuous, however, there are some trails accessible to mobility impaired visitors.